Rant...

"I have socks that are older than you."

I get it a lot. Many of my peers, professors, supervisors, and now random people apparently, look at how I look and make comments about it. It always comes down to how young I am, and how I look my age as well.

Several people have "warned" me that I might not get chosen for a job because I look so young, and they might pick someone older. I can understand being chosen over me for having more experience, but I am just as qualified and skilled as other candidates. 

I have one question to all those people: Who gives a shit?

Honestly. I have never considered my looks to be a shortcoming of mine. Yes, I look like I'm about 18, but it has never once worked against me in any way. In fact, I consider my youthfulness to be an asset, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Here's why:

1. I am highly motivated. I went straight into university after graduating from high school, and completed my bachelor degree in four years, when I was only 21. This shows dedication and hard work and determination, nothing else. I knew exactly what I wanted and went for it.

2. I have youthfulness. I am bringing a sense of youthfulness to the classroom, and different ways of looking at things. I was raised in the 21st century and therefore am aware of what it's all about and how kids are currently being raised in it. One huge example is technology. How many teachers did you have in K-12 education that didn't know how to work a VCR or DVD player? How about ones that didn't know how to use a smart board or an internet search engine? Probably quite a few. This isn't to put them down, they were raised in a different time with different technologies; I'm just suggesting that it could be easier if the teachers themselves were brought up in that generation. It brings a sense of relevance to kids, that will hopefully make them more engaged within the classroom context. 

3. My education is the most up-to-date. I know all the new theories and teaching techniques that are being used at this time. They say that post-secondary information in the field of education is outdated after two years of learning it because of how quickly things change. Imagine those individuals who have been out of school for years? (Granted, they do have the experience which is invaluable).

4. I think students will find me much more approachable. During my practicums students approached me with all types of problems. I think they see me as younger, more "with it" and possibly less intimidating than other teachers.

So to all those people who tell me I'm too young and am not suitable for a "high school" teaching career until I look a bit older, I say STFU. You know nothing. Looking young is an asset, and so long as I know that it will only work to my advantage.